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Contact Résine is a new company that has entered the market with an impressive range of resin accessories, detail sets and decals. Tonight I am examining their resin wheels and enhancement sets in 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 scales. The sole 1/72 scale offering is a new set of wheels, including main wheels and nose wheel, for Hasegawa's new B-25 Mitchell family. These are beautifully detailed, and are also bulged and flattened. The wheels are not connected to a casting block, so cleanup will be as simple as a quick swipe with a sanding stick. If you'd like to see these wheels already painted and ready for installation, check out "Black Dog's" Hasegawa B-25J on HyperScale's "Plastic Pix" forum. In 1/48 scale, we have sets of wheels for Mig-21 kits. Contact Résine also offers some small enhancement sets comprising wheels and props, wheels and rudders and other combinations as noted below. All of these parts are produced to the same high standard and are presented without casting blocks. The 1/48 scale propeller and spinner sets for the Bf 109F and G include a small jig to help align the pitch of the propeller blades. There are no instructions to assist with this operation but it is quite simple. First, drill out the holes in the spinner for the propeller blade shafts, install the propeller blade using a slow-setting glue (super glue or epoxy), then press the propeller tip into the jig. This will set the correct pitch. Also in 1/48 scale are main wheels, nose wheels and separate rudders for both the P-59 and YP-59 Airacobra kits from Hobbycraft. The rudders depict defected trim tabs, and the trim actuators are very finely rendered. Also, the kit-supplied Hobbycraft tyres are rubber, so these replacements are particularly helpful as they will be easier to paint, will not degrade over time and won't eat styrene!
The most comprehensive of these sets is for the Roden Gladiator Mk.I, with two styles of main wheels, doors, prop and exhausts.
The 1/32 and 1/24 scale propellers are beautifully detailed. There is no jig included but alignment should be easier in these larger scales. The Spitfire 1/24 scale prop is especially useful as it represents the Rotol assembly commonly seen on the Mk.V. Many of the 1/24 scale wheels are replacements for Trumpeter rubber-tyred items. The resin wheels will prove more durable and are, in my opinion, easier to work with and paint. Details of the sets under review are included below:
All sets are packed in a clear plastic box. My only criticism is that some of the more delicate loosely packed resin items might be damaged in transit (although they all made it safely to Australia!)
Contact Résine has selected sensible subjects for their premiere range, and the presentation of their resin parts is really excellent. This initial batch of accessories bodes will be especially useful for replacing questionable rubber-tyred wheels on Trumpeter, Academy and Hobbycraft kits, and enhancing details on others. The high quality also bodes well for the planned releases of more comprehensive accessory sets and conversions. All Recommended. Thanks to Contact Résine for the information Contact Résine accessories may be seen on their website: www. xx Contact Résine's American distributor is : Design & Marketing Int'l ®http://www.design-marketingintl.com Design, Manufacturing & e-commerce of Precision Plastic Scale Models 9791 WESTHEIMER PMB # 526 Contact Résine's European Distributor is :
L.F.O.K. Review Text Copyright © 2004 by
Brett Green
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